Wetland education at Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Zoological Gardens

The case of Shinobazu Labo´s hands-on activities

Abstract

Although zoos provide education on the conservation of wildlife on a global scale, there are few zoos that promote wetland education targeting local animals and environments. While the importance of conservation education activities and their implementation in all wetlands other than those registered in the Ramsar Convention is frequently mentioned, the current situation is that the content and perspective inherent in the method of implementation of wetland education programs that form a part of zoo education are not clear.The task of this study is to clarify the perspectives when conducting wetland education in zoos and aquariums (hereafter, “zoos”) in Japan. A practical program was conducted over a period of two years and seven months at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Onshi Ueno Zoological Gardens. Episodes that occurred during the program were recorded in writing, and a questionnaire survey of visitors and students was conducted. As a result of the analysis and evaluation of the episodes and questionnaire survey, the following six points were identified as important perspectives for wetland education in zoos: (1) educational programs for natural environment conservation and wildlife protection, (2) targeting local animals and environment, (3) main Classification of Environmental Protection Activities (CEPA), (4) interpretation, (5) participation, and (6) education and exchange.